The Recall Desk
ModerateFDA (Devices)·Z-1028-2014·Announced 2014-02-26

Zimmer Recalls Versys Heritage Femoral Stems Due to Packaging Validation Issues

Zimmer is recalling Versys Heritage Femoral Stems because packaging operations at a Puerto Rico facility were not properly validated, raising concerns about sterile barrier integrity.

What this means for you

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class II, but the source text explicitly states that seal integrity testing met acceptance criteria and no illnesses or injuries are reported. This aligns with the rubric for voluntary precautionary recalls where the hazard is theoretical or low-risk.

Plain-English summary

Zimmer, Inc. is recalling the Versys Heritage Fem Stem medical device. The recall involves 7,044,680 units distributed worldwide, including the United States and numerous international markets.

The recall was initiated after Zimmer reviewed historic packaging validations at its Zimmer Manufacturing B.V. facility in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The review determined that packaging operations in Building 1 were not properly validated. Although subsequent seal integrity testing showed that the packaging met acceptance criteria for sterile barrier integrity, Zimmer decided to recall all non-expired lots sterile packaged in that specific facility to ensure patient safety.

Healthcare providers and patients should contact Zimmer or their local FDA office for instructions on how to handle the recalled devices. The source text does not report any illnesses or injuries associated with this recall.

The recalled product

Product
VERSYS HERITAGE FEM STEM
Manufacturer
Zimmer, Inc.
Affected units
7,044,680

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 44 recalled by Zimmer, Inc. under a single FDA (Devices) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 44 products in this recall →